Pearl managed to maintain her composure and offered a smile. "It's alright, it doesn't bother me."
While Pearl remained calm, Esther was clearly agitated. She stood up and shouted angrily, "Hey, what's that supposed to mean?
She can't speak? Just eat your dinner. Why do you care?"
It was a declaration of war.
Richard coolly responded, "People should respect the owners of the house and stay in their lane. That should be something
everyone understands." His words were an obvious condemnation of Esther's actions.
In the past, when Richard and Pearl were still a couple, Esther might have accepted his reprimand, but now that they were
separated, his comment cacross as rude. "Sure, this is your home, and you have your rules here. | don't think someone lowly
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtlikeshould stay here. Pearl, let's go."
She grabbed Pearl's wrist and prepared to leave, but Pearl didn't budge. "Why aren't you moving? He was attacking you. Are you
going to keep quiet and stay here?"
Pearl forced a smile. "It's fine, let's leave after the party."
Pearl had her reasons for not wanting to leave. First, she didn't want to strain Esther and Mobius's relationship further. Second, it
was Susan's birthday, and she didn't want to spoil the celebration.
Esther's anger flared as she said, "They're bullying you, and you're still trying to be nice. | know what you're worried about. You're
worried about Mobius and me."
Pearl had a sinking feeling.
Esther continued, "I'm just someone who didn't understand the rules. If the Waldorfs have strict rules, | don't think I'm good
enough to be a part of it."
Mobius, typically cheerful, suddenly turned cold like Richard. "What are you saying, Esther?"
Esther locked eyes with Mobius and stated, "I want to break up with you."
The word "break up" shocked everyone, including Mobius. Even Hugo, who had been uninterested in the situation, turned his
attention to them.
Pearl put aside her emotions and said in a serious tone, "You shouldn't make such a decision so lightly."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Esther's emotions welled up, and the sadness she had been feeling over the past few days reached its peak. "I've been thinking
about it for a while now. He has been distant towardfor the past few days, and I've been contemplating a breakup."
Nobody could easily endure days of neglect, especially someone as sensitive as Esther. She continued, "I'm busy with work and
don't have tto worry about anything else, but that doesn't mean | don't have feelings. My work performance has suffered
because of this, and after careful consideration, I've made up my mind. Don't try to convinceotherwise."
Pearl felt anxious and wanted to explain, but she hesitated because Mobius had prepared a surprise proposal. She didn't want to
ruin his efforts.
Esther wiped her tears away and declared, "I can't stand seeing you being treated like this... I'll love the person the Waldorfs
couldn't. You're my best friend. | won't let anyone bully you!"